I'm considering getting a fast NVME SSD for a removable enclosure that connects via Thunderbolt or USB4/USB5. My main goal is to store large photo RAW files, video recordings, and movies. I want something faster than my current SATA SSD since I'll be working directly from it and transferring large files often. The enclosure supports 40Gb/s speeds, so I'm looking for SSDs that can achieve about 5000MB/s read and write speeds, ideally around 4TB in size and using TLC.
I understand that SSDs aren't great for long-term storage, and I'll be keeping backups on large HDDs. My question is this: does having DRAM cache significantly affect the performance and lifespan of an SSD used in this way? Does it make a noticeable difference when I'm doing larger transfers or using it occasionally as active storage? I'd like to hold off until prices drop, but I'm also considering cheaper DRAM-less options. Any insights or suggestions would be super helpful!
4 Answers
Most likely, the speed limits you’ll hit will come from the USB connection rather than the SSD itself. DRAM helps during write operations, but once it fills up, the speeds normalize. With USB4 running at about 3GB/s, most NVMe 4.0 drives — even without DRAM — should be able to keep up.
From what I've seen, DRAM mainly helps with asynchronous write caching. If you're not using a UPS, that could lead to data loss if power goes out unexpectedly. Just keep that in mind! Since you’ll primarily use your SSD with your laptop, the chances of sudden power cuts are probably low.
Good point! I hadn’t thought of that. Since I'll mostly be working from my laptop, I'm hopeful that it won't be an issue.
Using external USB controllers that lack HMB support does make a case for having DRAM cache. However, the difference might not be substantial. If you’re looking for options, the Kingston Fury Renegade is a solid choice at a reasonable price, though you might need to remove the heatsink for it to fit your enclosure.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve also seen the WD_BLACK SN850P being offered for less locally. Are they reliable SSDs, or would I be better off with Kingston?
For a drive that runs an OS, definitely go for DRAM. But for storage drives, it gets a bit murky. The advantages are there but might not be noticeable for your use case. I actually often use DRAM-less SSDs, and they get the job done just fine for storage.
That sounds right! My enclosure supports 40Gb/s, so I think it should manage well. But it sounds like DRAM cache may not be as crucial for my larger file transfers. I get that it's also about holding file tables, but for what I need, it might be fine without it.